Is Jonathan Bailey in a relationship? Everything he has said about his love life

Jonathan Bailey may be known for playing swashbuckling love interests, but off screen the actor keeps his romantic life private.

In 2023, he revealed to Evening Standard that he was dating a “lovely man,” though Bailey did not share his partner’s identity. A few years prior, the actress was linked to James Ellis after the two kissed at the 2019 Olivier Awards.

And while Evil star has kept his romantic relationships out of the limelight, he has opened up about bringing his experiences to his work on screen, including as Lord Anthony in Bridgerton.

In a conversation in 2022 with GQ HypeBailey talked about the demands of playing Anthony, namely playing the character’s charm. The actor explained that the character forced him to “think a lot about love,” and he referenced his own personal life, saying, “You put your life experiences into (the work).”

So what is Jonathan Bailey’s dating history? Here’s everything to know about the actor’s relationship.

Bailey said he was dating a “lovely man” in 2023

In December 2023, Bailey told Evening Standard that he was dating “a lovely man”, although he chose to keep him anonymous.

“It’s not secret, but it’s private,” Bailey explained. “Having a private life is absolutely essential for me. I don’t know if I would be able to be as confident in speaking up about other things if I felt like my whole life was on the line.”

Bailey shared a public kiss with James Ellis in 2019

Around 2019, Bailey was rumored to be in a relationship with James Ellis, who is an advertising director at London-based Jester Media. He previously worked for media companies such as Fox and CBS and graduated in 2002 from Loughborough University, according to his LinkedIn.

In 2019, the couple attended the Olivier Awards together, where Bailey was awarded Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Company. Before taking to the stage to accept the award, Bailey kissed Ellis followed by a loving hug.

In his acceptance speechBailey spoke about the importance of seeing LGBTQ+ love stories on screen.

“You know, at a time when recognizing the existence of LGBTQ people in our schools is being questioned, we as a company have been able to show a lovely and celebratory snapshot of gay love,” he said. “LGBTQ people really aren’t that different … we’re just as flawed and desperate to be in love as everyone else. Thanks to the cast, this one’s for you!”

Bailey has played many romantic roles

Lord Anthony may reign as Bailey’s most famous romantic role, but it wasn’t his first – or his last.

After Bailey starred Cardiac arrestera YA Netflix series focusing on a gay couple, the actor shared Black about the impact of seeing themselves represented in the show. “Like so many people, I watched the first (season) and thought it was one of the greatest, most beautiful gifts to so many people, and I wish I’d had that growing up,” he said.

On stage, the actor has brought his own experiences to two major roles in Mike Bartlett’s Dick and Stephen Sondheim’s Company. In the former, Bailey plays John, who is torn between his girlfriend and a woman he falls for. In a gender-swapped version of Companyhe played Jaime, a man with cold feet who is about to marry his devoted fiancé Paul.

In terms of television, the English actor starred opposite Matt Bomer in Fellow travelers. In the series, the couple navigates a gay relationship that spans from the 50s to the 80s, decades when it was forbidden for them to be together. Bailey told PEOPLE that stepping into this role reaffirmed his purpose as an actor.

“I had been looking for these gay stories, a sweeping gay love story, and I hadn’t really seen them,” he said in December 2023. “This ticked every single box and it’s something I know I’ll be proud of the rest of my career.”

Bailey also spoke to PEOPLE about how he views his sexuality as a “superpower” when it comes to his work as an actor.

“It’s a pretty common story that school is scary, especially in a world where people don’t understand or teachers and kids don’t understand LGBTQ+ identities and experiences,” he said in December 2023. “But the superpower of being in looking outside means that when you’re older, you’re drawn to storytelling and creative that’s unique and exciting.”

Bailey once struggled with the idea of ​​coming out as gay

While playing characters with romantic narrative arcs has become central to Bailey’s career, he once seriously struggled with the decision to come out publicly.

In a conversation in 2022 with GQthe actor recalled advice once given to a friend and fellow actor: “There are two things we don’t want to know: whether you’re an alcoholic or whether you’re gay.”

For an aspiring actor, these words left a mark. “All it takes is for one of those people in that position of power to say it and it ripples through,” he explained. “So, yeah, of course I thought that to be happy, I had to be straight.”

After some time, Bailey’s feelings changed. “I got to a point where I was like, ‘F— this.’ I’d much rather hold my girlfriend’s hand in public or be able to put my own face on Tinder and not be so worried about it than get some,” he said.